Article for use as sleeve or coaster with a beverage container

ABSTRACT

An article that can be formed into a sleeve or a coaster for a beverage container. The article includes: (a) a first sheet that is at least sufficiently flexible to be wrapped around the cylindrical body of the beverage container to position an inner surface of an end portion of the first sheet adjacent an outer surface of a tab portion of the first sheet to form an overlapping area between the end portion and the tab portion; (b) a first adhesive on a first portion of an inner surface of the first sheet, wherein the first portion is at least partially within the overlapping area; and (c) a second adhesive on a second portion of the inner surface of the first sheet, wherein the second portion is at least partially outside the overlapping area, and wherein the first adhesive and the second adhesive can be the same or different.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.15/397,378, filed on Jan. 3, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,512,348 grantedon Dec. 24, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser.No. 14/248,623, filed on Apr. 9, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,533,794granted on Jan. 3, 2017. Each patent application identified above isincorporated here by reference in its entirety to provide continuity ofdisclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure is in the fields of sleeves and coasters for use withbeverage containers such as bottles or cans.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general, the disclosure provides an article that can be formed into asleeve or a coaster for a beverage container. A beverage container has agenerally cylindrical body. The article includes: (a) a first sheet,wherein the first sheet has an outer surface and an inner surface,wherein the first sheet is at least sufficiently flexible to belongitudinally wrapped around the generally cylindrical body of thebeverage container to position an inner surface of an end portion of thefirst sheet adjacent an outer surface of a tab portion of the firstsheet to form an overlapping area between the end portion and the tabportion; (b) a first adhesive on a first portion of an inner surface ofthe first sheet, wherein the first portion is at least partially withinthe overlapping area; and (c) a second adhesive on a second portion ofthe inner surface of the first sheet, wherein the second portion is atleast partially outside the overlapping area, and wherein the firstadhesive and the second adhesive can be the same or different.

In an embodiment, the disclosure provides an article according to thedisclosure in combination with the beverage container. In variousembodiments, such an article is wrapped as a sleeve for the beveragecontainer. In various embodiments, such an article is flattened as acoaster for the beverage container. The beverage container can be, forexample, a beverage bottle or beverage can.

In another embodiment, the disclosure provides an article according tothe disclosure in combination with a dispenser. In various embodiments,such an article is one of a plurality of such articles in the dispenser.In various embodiments, such an article is disposed in the dispenser ina flat condition without being curled or folded. In various embodiments,the dispenser is in the general form of a tray.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosure provides an article accordingto the disclosure in combination with a dispenser and the beveragecontainer.

In various embodiments, methods of using the article according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure are provided, the methodscomprising steps of: (a) wrapping the article around the generallycylindrical body of the beverage container to position an inner surfaceof an end portion adjacent an outer surface of a tab portion to form theoverlapping area between the end portion and the tab portion; (b) usingthe first adhesive to adhere the end portion and tab portion of theoverlapping area.

In various embodiments, methods of using the article according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure are provided, the methods ofcomprising steps of: (a) curving the article into a cylindrical shape toposition an inner surface of an end portion adjacent an outer surface ofa tab portion to form the overlapping area between the end portion andthe tab portion; (b) using the first adhesive to adhere the end portionand tab portion of the overlapping area. In various embodiments, themethods additionally comprise a step of: flattening the article in theform of a sleeve by forming two fold lines in the first sheet materialand thereby forming the article into a folded and flattened condition asa coaster that can be used under the beverage container. In variousembodiments, the methods additionally comprise a step of: positioningthe coaster under the beverage container.

In various embodiments, methods of using the article according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure are provided, the methodscomprising steps of: folding the first sheet about in half forming onefold in the first sheet material with the inner surfaces of the endportion and tab portion of the first sheet adjacent to each other into afolded and flattened condition as a coaster that can be used under thebeverage container. In various embodiments, the methods additionallycomprise a step of: positioning the coaster under the beveragecontainer. In various embodiments, the methods additionally comprise astep of: using the second adhesive on the second portion of the innersurface of the first sheet to adhere to an opposite portion of the innersurface of the first sheet to help prevent the flattened article frombulging or popping open from the folded and flattened condition as acoaster.

These and other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to oneskilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description.While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments thereof will be described indetail and shown by way of example. It should be understood, however,that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular formsdisclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawing is incorporated into the specification to helpillustrate examples according to a presently preferred embodiment of thedisclosure. Like references are used for like parts, elements, orfeatures throughout the figures. It should be understood that theFigures of the drawing are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1A is a view of an embodiment of an article according to thedisclosure, showing the article in a flat, unfolded position. Thearticle is of at least a first sheet. The first sheet of the article hasa major portion, which includes an end portion (on left side of thearticle as illustrated in FIG. 1A), and the first sheet also has a tabportion, which is outside of the major portion (on right side of thearticle as illustrated in FIG. 1A). An outer surface of the first sheetof the article can optionally have advertising or other indicia printedthereon.

FIG. 1B is a cutaway cross section view of a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 1C is a cutaway cross section view of a preferred embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a view of the article FIG. 1A, except that the article isrotated 180 degrees about the article centerline A_(CL), such that aninner surface of the first sheet is shown facing upward. Adhesive, suchas a pressure-sensitive adhesive, is shown on the end of the first sheet(right side as shown in this FIG. 2). In various embodiments, theadhesive material can be covered with a temporary, protective film. Inaddition, a second sheet of absorbent material is positioned on theinner surface of the first sheet.

FIG. 3 is a view of the article of FIGS. 1-2, except wherein the articleis positioned into the form of a stand-alone sleeve. A first adhesive(not visible in the view of FIG. 3) is used to join an overlapping area(not visible in FIG. 3) of the end portion and the tab portion of thearticle. A second adhesive on a second portion of the inner surface ofthe first sheet is exposed outside of the area of the tab portion, whichcan adhere the article to a beverage container (not shown in FIG. 3).The advertising indicia of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is notshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the article of FIGS. 1-2, except wherein thearticle is shown in the process of being positioned and wrapped around abeverage container, such as a beverage bottle (hands not shown). Whenthe first sheet is fully wrapped around a beverage container such as thebottle, there is still an exposed portion of adhesive for adhering thearticle to the surface of bottle. Note optional inner sheet of absorbentmaterial. The advertising indicia of the article as shown in FIG. 1A isnot shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the article of FIGS. 1-2 fully positionedaround the cylindrical body of the beverage bottle as a sleeve. Theadvertising indicia of the article as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown inFIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the article of FIGS. 1-2 positioned around thecylindrical body of a beverage can as a sleeve. The advertising indiciaof the article as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a view wherein the article 100 of FIGS. 1-2 had been firstformed into a sleeve illustrated in FIG. 3 and then in the process ofthe sleeve form being flattened, the flattening bending the first sheetof the article forming two creases in the first sheet, whereby thearticle is in the process of being formed as a coaster for use with abeverage container. Note that the advertising indicia on the outersurface of the first sheet of the article as shown in FIG. 1A is notshown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the article as in FIG. 7, but retained in afully flattened position by the second adhesive affixing the secondportions and to now oppositely position portions of the inner surface ofthe major area of the first sheet. Again, note that the advertisingindicia on the outer surface of the first sheet of the article as shownin FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a beverage bottle positioned standing on thearticle of FIGS. 1-2 in the form of a coaster as in FIG. 8. Again note,that the advertising indicia on the outer surface of the first sheet ofthe article as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the article of FIGS. 1-3 folded in about inhalf, that is, about along the article centerline A_(CL), which formsonly one center fold crease. In this manner of folding, the exposedsecond adhesive can be placed downward onto a surface, such as a surfaceof a table or counter, to adhere the article in this form as a coaster.Again, note that the advertising indicia on the outer surface of thefirst sheet of the article as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the article folded as in FIG. 10, for use as acoaster, but with the other, less-attractive side placed downward on atable or other horizontal surface, whereby the exposed second adhesivecontacts the surface to adhere the article in this form as a coaster.Again, note that the advertising indicia on the outer surface of thefirst sheet of the article as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a view of a beverage container, such as a beverage can,positioned on top of the article folded in half to form a coaster as inFIG. 11. Again, note that the advertising indicia on the outer surfaceof the first sheet of the article as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown inFIG. 12.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate a “simple” dispenser in the general form of atray adapted for stacking, storing, and conveniently dispensing astacked plurality of the articles in the flat, unused position of FIGS.1-2. In FIG. 13A, the dispenser is shown empty. In FIG. 13B, thedispenser is shown containing a stack of a plurality of articles ofFIGS. 1-2.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate a “custom” dispenser adapted for stacking,storing, and conveniently dispensing the articles of FIGS. 1-3, similarto the “simple” dispenser of FIGS. 13A-B, except having blockingvertical wall portions specially shaped and located to conform with thetab portion of the articles when in a flat, unused position as in FIGS.1-2, and, thereby, more neatly retaining a stacked plurality of thearticles. In FIG. 14A, the dispenser is shown empty. In FIG. 14B, thedispenser is shown containing a stack of a plurality of articles ofFIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 15 shows a preferred embodiment of a display system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Definitions and UsagesGeneral Interpretation

The words or terms used herein have their plain, ordinary meaning in thefield of this disclosure, except to the extent explicitly and clearlydefined in this disclosure or unless the specific context otherwiserequires a different meaning.

If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in thisdisclosure and one or more patent(s) or other documents that may beincorporated by reference, the definitions that are consistent with thisspecification should be adopted.

The words “comprising”, “containing”, “including”, “having”, and allgrammatical variations thereof are intended to have an open,non-limiting meaning. For example, a composition comprising a componentdoes not exclude it from having additional components, an apparatuscomprising a part does not exclude it from having additional parts, anda method having a step does not exclude it having additional steps. Whensuch terms are used, the compositions, apparatuses, and methods that“consist essentially of” or “consist of” the specified components,parts, and steps are specifically included and disclosed. As usedherein, the words “consistently essentially of,” and all grammaticalvariations thereof are intended to limit the scope of a claim to thespecified materials or steps and those that do not materially affect thebasic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention.

The indefinite articles “a” or “an” mean one or more than one of thecomponent, part, or step that the article introduces.

Each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about”(unless already expressly so modified), and then read again as not somodified, unless otherwise indicated in context.

Whenever a numerical range of degree or measurement with a lower limitand an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any range falling withinthe range is also intended to be specifically disclosed. For example,every range of values (in the form “from a to b,” or “from about a toabout b,” or “from about a to b,” “from approximately a to b,” and anysimilar expressions, where “a” and “b” represent numerical values ofdegree or measurement) is to be understood to set forth every number andrange encompassed within the broader range of values.

It should be understood that algebraic variables and other scientificsymbols used herein are selected arbitrarily or according to convention.Other algebraic variables can be used.

Terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. may be assignedarbitrarily and are merely intended to differentiate between two or morecomponents, parts, or steps that are otherwise similar or correspondingin nature, structure, function, or action. For example, the words“first” and “second” serve no other purpose and are not part of the nameor description of the following name or descriptive terms. The mere useof the term “first” does not require that there be any “second” similaror corresponding component, part, or step. Similarly, the mere use ofthe word “second” does not require that there be any “first” or “third”similar or corresponding component, part, or step. Further, it is to beunderstood that the mere use of the term “first” does not require thatthe element or step be the very first in any sequence, but merely thatit is at least one of the elements or steps. Similarly, the mere use ofthe terms “first” and “second” does not necessarily require anysequence. Accordingly, the mere use of such terms does not excludeintervening elements or steps between the “first” and “second” elementsor steps, etc.

The control or controlling of a condition includes any one or more ofmaintaining, applying, or varying of the condition. For example,controlling the temperature of a substance can include heating, cooling,or thermally insulating the substance.

Liquid

“Liquid” (noun) means a substance that is liquid at standard temperatureand pressure.

“Liquid” (adjective) regarding a substance means existing as or havingcharacteristics of a liquid; especially tending to flow.

Standard Temperature and Pressure

“Standard” (adjective) regarding temperature means about 21° C. (about70° F.).

“Standard” (adjective) regarding pressure means about one atmosphere(about 101,325 Pascal).

Beverages

“Beverage” (noun) or “drink” (noun) means any liquid suitable fordrinking. Examples of beverages include water, soda, beer, wine, milk,tea, and coffee.

Room Temperature as Serving Temperature

“Room temperature” (adjective phrase) regarding serving temperature fora beverage means in the range of about 16-27° C. (about 61-81° F.), thatis, standard temperature plus or minus about 5° C. (about 10° F.).

Cold Beverages and Serving Temperatures

“Cold” (adjective) regarding a beverage means a type of beveragetypically served at or below room temperature. Examples of coldbeverages include water, soda, beer, iced tea, wine, milk, andmilkshakes.

“Very cold” (adjective phrase) regarding serving temperature for a coldbeverage is in the range of about 0-4° C. (about 32-39° F.).

“Cold” (adjective) regarding serving temperature for a cold beverage isin the range of about 4-7° C. (about 39-45° F.).

“Cool” (adjective) regarding serving temperature for a cold beverage isin the range of about 8-12° C. (about 45-54° F.).

“Cellar” (adjective) regarding serving temperature for a cold beverageis in the range of about 12-14° C. (about 54-57° F.).

“Warm” (adjective) regarding serving temperature for a cold beverage isin the range of about 14-16° C. (about 57-61° F.).

Hot Beverages and Serving Temperatures

“Hot” (adjective) regarding a beverage means a type of beveragetypically served above room temperature up to a maximum of about 88° C.(190° F.). Examples of hot beverages include coffee, tea, and hotchocolate.

“Warm” (adjective) regarding serving temperature for a hot beverage isin the range of about 27-50° C. (about 81-120° F.).

“Hot” (adjective) regarding serving temperature for a hot beverage is inthe range of about 50-71° C. (about 120-160° F.).

“Very hot” (adjective phrase) regarding serving temperature for a hotbeverage is in the range of about 71-85° C. (about 160-185° F.).

“Scalding” (adjective) regarding serving temperature for a hot beveragemeans above about 55° C. (about 130° F.).

Beverage Containers

“Container” (noun) means an object that can be used to hold things.

“Vessel” (noun) means an object used as a container, especially forliquids.

“Beverage container” (noun phrase) means a container for a beverage.Unless otherwise specified, a beverage container has a generallycylindrical body. Examples of a beverage container include a bottle or acan.

“Bottle” (noun) means a glass or plastic vessel having a body portion(belly) with a narrow neck and no handle on the body portion. In thecontext of this disclosure, a beverage bottle is sometimes referred tosimply as a bottle. Unless otherwise specified, a bottle for a beveragehas a generally cylindrical body. Examples of a beverage bottle includewater bottle, beer bottle, soda bottle, and wine bottle. A bottle can bemade of glass, plastic, or metal.

“Can” (noun) means an airtight sealed metal container for food or drinkor paint. Unless otherwise specified, a beverage can for a beverage canbe a generally cylindrical body. In the context of this disclosure, abeverage can is sometimes referred to simply as a can. Examples of abeverage can include a beer can and a soda can.

“Individual serving size” (adjective phrase) for a beverage or beveragecontainer means broadly in the range of about 6-20 US fluid ounces(about 177-592 ml), but more commonly in the range of about 8-17 USfluid ounces (about 237-502 ml). In the United States, 12 fluid ounces(355 ml) is currently a typical individual serving size for a beveragebottle or can.

Particular dimensions of beverage bottles can vary widely. “US standardsize” (adjective phrase) regarding a beverage bottle means having agenerally cylindrical body that has a diameter of about 2.41 inches (6.1cm) and a height of about 9.1 inches (23.1 cm), with a label panelheight (of the largest cylindrical body portion) of about 3.4 inches(8.9 cm).

“US standard size” (adjective phrase) regarding a beverage can meanshaving a generally cylindrical body that is 4.83 inches (12.3 cm) high,2.13 inches (5.4 cm) in diameter at the lid, and 2.60 inches (6.6 cm) indiameter at the largest circumference of the cylindrical body.

Condensation

Depending on the context, “condensation” (noun) means the process ofchanging from a gaseous to a liquid or solid state.

Depending on the context, “condensation” or “condensate” (noun) meansatmospheric moisture that has condensed because of cold.

Absorbency

“Absorb” (verb) means to soak up liquids.

“Absorbent” (adjective) or “absorbency” (adverb) means having power,capacity, or tendency to absorb or soak up a liquid, such as water.

“Water absorbency” (adjective phrase) means the quantitative capacity ofa material to absorb water. As used herein, water absorbency (also knownas “Water absorptiveness” or “Cobb value”) is the mass of water absorbedin a specific time by square meter of the sheet material understandardized test conditions. It can be measured according to thestandards set by TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and PaperIndustry), Method T-432. It is normally expressed as time, in seconds.

Examples of absorbent paper materials include paper napkins, papertowels, blotting paper, etc.

Insulate and Insulation

“Insulate” (verb) to means to protect something by surrounding it withmaterial that reduces or prevents the transmission of heat.

Depending on the context, “insulation” (noun) means a material thatreduces or prevents the transmission of heat.

Depending on the context, “insulation” (noun) means the act ofprotecting something by surrounding it with material that reduces orprevents the transmission of heat.

Coasters, Sleeves, and Dispensers “Coaster” (noun) means a covering(plate or mat) that protects the surface of a table or counter from theheat of a beverage container at a hot or very hot serving temperature orfrom the condensation that may form on a beverage container at a cold orvery cold serving temperature. A coaster can protect a surface from anyspillage from the beverage container. A coaster may have either or boththe purposes of insulating a surface or counter and water absorbency.

“Sleeve” (noun) means an article having a generally tubular shape andlikable to the part of a garment that is attached at armhole andprovides a cloth covering for the arm. A sleeve for use with a beveragecontainer can protect a person's bare hand from the heat of a beveragecontainer at a hot or very hot serving temperature or from the cold andcondensation that may form on a beverage container at a cold or verycold serving temperature. Depending on the water absorbency of thematerials of the sleeve, a sleeve can protect a bare hand from becomingwet with the condensation and absorb any small leak or spillage from theopening of the beverage container. A sleeve can have either or both thepurposes of insulating a surface or counter and water absorbency.

“Dispenser” (noun) means a container so designed that the contents canbe used in prescribed amounts, for example, one article at a time.

“Tray” (noun) means an open receptacle for holding or displaying orserving articles.

Relative Location or Orientation

“Surface” (noun) means the extended two-dimensional outer boundary of athree-dimensional object.

“Inner” (adjective) means located inward (or within or closer to acenter or inside of a body).

“Outer” (adjective) means located outward (outside of or away from acenter or inside of a body).

“Horizontal” (adjective) or “horizontally” (adverb) means parallel to orin the plane of the horizon [on earth] or a base line.

“Vertical” (adjective) or “vertically” (adverb) means at right angles tothe plane of the horizon [on earth] or a base line.

“Longitudinal” (adjective) or “longitudinally” (adverb) means runninglengthwise.

Sheet Material

“Material” (noun) means the tangible substance that goes into the makeupof a physical object.

“Sheet” (noun) means a flat article that is thin relative to its lengthand width.

“Thin” (adjective) means of relatively small extent from one surface tothe opposite or in cross-section.

“Edge” (noun) means the boundary of a surface. It is usually, but notnecessarily, a line determining the limits of an area.

“Deckle” (adjective) regarding an edge means the rough edges on handmade and machine made papers or other sheet materials. These edges wereoriginally considered an imperfection, but came into fashion with thehandcraft revival in the last decade of the 19^(th) century.

“Area” (adjective) regarding a whole sheet means the extent of the2-dimensional surface of the sheet bounded within its dimensions oflength and width.

“Flexible” (adjective) means capable of being easily flexed or bent byhand. More particularly, as used herein, “flexible” means able to beflexed or bent up to at least a 90-degree angle in at least oneorientation without creasing or breaking. If specified, flexible canmean able to be flexed or bent up to at least 90-degree angle in anyorientation.

“Structural” (adjective) means affecting or involved in structure orconstruction. More particularly, a structural sheet, when formed into atubular or sleeve shape of a size for being wrapped around a U.S.standard beverage container can be self-supporting when stood on a flatsurface in a vertically orientated position. Preferably, a structuralbody (such as a sheet of paper) can be vertically self-supporting whenflat and stood on a longer or longest end in a vertical position.

Types and Properties of Sheet Materials

“Paper” (noun) or “paper” (adjective) means sheet material made ofcellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses.

“Plastic” (adjective) regarding the substance of a material is a genericname for certain synthetic or semisynthetic materials that can be moldedor extruded into objects or films or filaments or used for making, forexample, a coating. Plastic materials that may be used for a sheetmaterial include various polymeric materials such as acrylic,polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyester, and polyvinyl (sometimes referredto simply as vinyl).

Plastic sheet materials are generally stronger than paper sheetmaterials. In general, physical properties are provided herein measuredaccording to the standard testing methods strengths of TAPPI (TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry), which are generallydirected to paper sheet materials; however, as plastic sheet materialsare generally stronger than paper, it is expected that a plastic sheetmaterial of similar weight and thickness to a paper sheet material wouldgenerally exceed the strengths of the paper sheet material. Thestrengths of sheet materials may be expressed as exemplary, desired, orpreferred minimums without need for specifying the upper limits. Testingmethods for paper can usually be adapted to test other types of sheetmaterials, such as plastic materials, although the testing method mayonly show that the other type of material has at least the specifiedstrength without actually measuring the higher strength at a failure ofthe material. The disadvantages of certain plastic materials relative topaper materials can be, for example, but not necessarily, cost and lessbiodegradability.

“Caliper” or thickness (noun) indicates the thickness of a paper orother sheet material, usually in thousandths of an inch. As used herein,caliper or thickness is measured according to the standards set by TAPPI(Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry), Method T-411.

The “weight” or “grammage” (noun) of a paper or other sheet material isthe weight per unit area, which can be expressed, for example, in gramsper square meter (g/m², sometimes referred to as “GSM”). This measure iscontinuous, meaning that all categories and sizes of paper or othersheet material can use the measure. As used herein, weight or grammageof a paper sheet material is measured according to the standards set bythe TAPPI (Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry), MethodT-410.

“Text” (adjective) regarding paper means relatively lightweight paperfor use as the pages of books. Text paper typically has a weight in therange of about 50-250 GSM using TAPPI Method T-410.

“Writing” (adjective) or “bond” (adjective) regarding paper means thekind of quality paper commonly used legal documents. Writing papertypically has a weight in the range of about 75-150 GSM using TAPPIMethod T-410.

“Bristol” (adjective) regarding paper means made by pasting orlaminating two text weight papers together to form a stiff cover sheet.

“Cover” or “card” (adjective) regarding paper means heavyweight paperwith good folding characteristics. Cover papers are relatively heavy andstrong. Their diverse uses include for covers, folders, booklet covers,brochures, pamphlets, and business cards. Cover paper typically has aweight in the range of about 100-500 GSM using TAPPI Method T-410.

“Industrial” or “packaging” grades of paper can have similar or higherweights compared to writing and card papers.

“Paperboard” normally refers to sheets of paper 0.012 inch (0.3 mm) ormore in thickness. There are some exceptions such as in the case ofblotting paper or drawing paper. Broad classes of paperboard include,for example, container board used for corrugated boxes and box boardprincipally used to make cartons.

“Uncoated” (adjective) regarding paper means paper manufactured with nosurface coating. There is a wide variety of grades and levels of qualityamong uncoated papers.

“Coated” (adjective) regarding paper means paper made with a surfacecoating, which allows for maximum smoothness and ink holdout in theprinting process. Coating is the treatment of the paper surface withclay or other pigments or adhesives to enhance printing quality, color,smoothness, opacity, or other surface characteristics. Coated papers areavailable in a range of finishes from dull to matte and gloss.

“Corrugated” paper includes a sheet of corrugating medium that is shapedinto a continuous rolling wave, called flutes, glued to at least oneflat sheet, but usually glued between two flat sheets, called linerboards.

“Tensile strength” (adjective phrase) regarding paper or other sheetmaterial is a measure of its resistance to breaking by elongation. Asused herein, it is measured and expressed as the force per unit width ofthe sheet specimen (dry, in machine direction of manufacture, ifapplicable), which commonly is measured for a strip of the sheetmaterial having a width of about 1 inch (25 mm). As used herein, tensilestrength is measured according to the standards set by TAPPI (TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry), Method T-494.

“Internal tearing resistance” (adjective phrase) is a measure of theforce perpendicular to the plane of the paper necessary to tear a singlesheet through a specified distance after the tear has already beenstarted. As used herein, internal tearing resistance is measuredaccording to the standards set by TAPPI (Technical Association of thePulp and Paper Industry), Method T-414 (Elmendorf-type of method).

“Bursting strength” (adjective phrase) regarding paper or other sheetmaterial is a measure of its resistance to rupturing, defined as thehydrostatic pressure needed to burst a sheet sample when it is applieduniformly across its side. More particularly, bursting strength ismeasured utilizing a rubber diaphragm that is expanded hydraulicallyagainst the sample sheet. A bursting test is also known as a Mullen testor pop test. A minimum bursting strength is required for cartons usedfor shipping, but the measure has less application to printing papers.This is determined more by the nature of its fiber than its thickness.For a paper, high bursting strength is achieved by forming the paperwith a tight weave of long fibers so that they are both vertical andhorizontal within the paper. As used herein, bursting strength of apaper material is measured according to the standards set by TAPPI(Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry), Method T-403.

Folding resistance (adjective phrase) regarding a paper or other sheetmaterial is a measure of the ability of a paper to maintain its strengthafter repeated folding. There are at least two test apparatuses andmethods used for evaluating this property, one using the Schoppertester, another using the MIT tester. The essential differences betweenthese methods arise from the design and function of the test apparatus.In both methods, the test specimen is held under tension and subjectedto repeated folding; the number of folds necessary to cause failure istaken as a measure of folding endurance. The Schopper instrumentoperates at a rate of 120 double folds per minute. A reciprocatingmotion folds the specimen by looping it snugly around a smallcylindrical surface. During the reciprocating motion, the tensionapplied to the 15-mm-wide test specimen fluctuates between approximately800 g to 1 kg (7.8 to 9.8 N) in normal operation. The MIT apparatusapplies a double fold of)270° (±135° at a rate of 175 double folds perminute by means of an oscillating jaw-like clamp. The MIT allows a widerrange of paper thicknesses to be used, and the calibration andadjustment of the MIT instrument is less demanding than that of theSchopper. Test results obtained with these methods are notinter-convertible. D. F. Caulfield and D. E. Gunderson, Paper Testingand Strength Characteristics, 1988, TAPPI proceedings of the 1988 paperpreservation symposium, 1988 October 19-21, Washington D.C., TAPPIPress, pp. 31-40. As used herein, folding endurance of a paper materialis measured according to the standards set by TAPPI (TechnicalAssociation of the Pulp and Paper Industry), Method T-423 (Schopper-typetest method).

Adhesive, Adhere and Adherence Strength

“Adhesive” (noun) means a substance or material that unites, bonds, orholds surfaces together. Examples of adhesives include glue,pressure-sensitive adhesive, adhesive temporarily covered with aremovable, protective strip, double-sided tape, water-resistantadhesive.

“Adhere” (verb) means to stick or hold together and resist separation.

“Adhesive strength” (adjective phrase) means the force required to breakan adhesive bond. There are many test methods used to determine thestrength of an adhesive including peel, shear, cleavage, and tensiontests. Peel tests are common for tapes, labels, coatings, and otherbonded materials. There are three main types of peel tests including90-degree peel test, 180-degree peel test, and a T-Peel test. The90-degree and 180-degree tests are commonly used where a flexiblematerial with an adhesive or other bonding method is adhered to a morerigid substrate. The 90-degree peel test is used over the 180-degreepeel test if the flexible substrate cannot be bent cleanly back to 180degrees. The T-peel test requires that both of the bonded substrates bevery flexible.

Indicia (E.g., for advertising)

“Indicia” (noun) means distinctive marks.

“Advertisement” (noun) or “advertising” (noun) means a public promotionof some product or service.

“Advertising” (verb) means to make publicity for or to try to sell aproduct or service.

Functions

“Permanent” (adjective) means continuing or enduring without markedchange in status or condition or place, especially within a relevanttime, such as for the intended use of an article.

“Temporary” (adjective) means not permanent.

“Adjacent” (adjective) means nearest in space or position or meansimmediately adjoining without intervening space.

“Wrap” (verb) means to wrap or coil around something else.

“Friction” (noun) means the resistance encountered when one body ismoved in contact with another.

“Slip” (verb) means to move smoothly and easily.

“Fold” (verb) means to bend or lay so that one part covers the other.

“Crease” (noun) means an angular shape made by folding.

“Bulge” (or protrude, pop out, bulge out, bug out, come out, bulgeoutward) (verb) refers to a way to change shape, change form, deform.

“Disposable” (adjective) regarding an article means disposable in amunicipal landfill according to current disposability standards.

“Ignitable” (adjective) means possible to ignite the material to thencontinue burning in air at standard temperature and pressure.

“Flushable” in plumbing (adjective phrase) means able to flow freely (intypical US toilet plumbing), without clogging the plumbing.

Biodegradable

Biodegradable means the process by which complex molecules are brokendown by micro-organisms to produce simpler compounds. Biodegradation canbe either aerobic (with oxygen) or anaerobic (without oxygen). Thepotential for biodegradation is commonly measured on fluids or theircomponents to ensure that they do not persist in the environment. Avariety of standard tests can be used to assess biodegradation.

As used herein, a substance is considered “biodegradable” if thesubstance passes a ready biodegradability test or an inherentbiodegradability test. It is preferred that a substance is first testedfor ready biodegradability, and only if the substance does not pass atleast one of the ready biodegradability tests then the substance istested for inherent biodegradability.

In accordance with Organisation for Economic Co-operation andDevelopment (“OECD”) guidelines, the following six tests permit thescreening of substances for ready biodegradability. As used herein, asubstance showing more than 60% biodegradability in 28 days according toany one of the six ready biodegradability tests is considered a passlevel for classifying it as “readily biodegradable,” and it may beassumed that the substance will undergo rapid and ultimate degradationin the environment. The six ready biodegradability tests are (1) 301A:DOC Die-Away; (2) 301B: CO2 Evolution (Modified Sturm Test); (3) 301C:MITI (I) (Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Japan); (4)301D: Closed Bottle; (5) 301E: Modified OECD Screening; and (6) 301F:Manometric Respirometry.

In accordance with OECD guidelines, the following three tests permit thetesting of chemicals for inherent biodegradability. As used herein, asubstance with a biodegradation or biodegradation rate of >20% isregarded as “inherently primary biodegradable.” A substance with abiodegradation or biodegradation rate of >70% is regarded as “inherentlyultimate biodegradable.” As used herein, a substance passes the inherentbiodegradability test if the substance is regarded either as inherentlyprimary biodegradable or inherently ultimate biodegradable when testedaccording to any one of three inherent biodegradability tests. The threetests are: (1) 302A: 1981 Modified SCAS Test; (2) 302B: 1992Zahn-Wellens Test; and (3) 302C: 1981 Modified MITI Test. Inherentbiodegradability refers to tests that allow prolonged exposure of thetest compound to microorganisms, a more favorable test compound tobiomass ratio, and chemical or other conditions that favorbiodegradation.

Embodiments of Article for Use as a Sleeve or Coaster for a BeverageContainer

In general, the disclosure provides an article that can be formed into asleeve or a coaster for a beverage container. A beverage container has agenerally cylindrical body. The article includes: (a) a first sheet,wherein the first sheet has an outer surface and an inner surface,wherein the first sheet is at least sufficiently flexible to belongitudinally wrapped around the generally cylindrical body of thebeverage container to position an inner surface of an end portion of thefirst sheet adjacent an outer surface of a tab portion of the firstsheet to form an overlapping area between the end portion and the tabportion; (b) a first adhesive on a first portion of an inner surface ofthe first sheet, wherein the first portion is at least partially withinthe overlapping area; and (c) a second adhesive on a second portion ofthe inner surface of the first sheet, wherein the second portion is atleast partially outside the overlapping area, and wherein the firstadhesive and the second adhesive can be the same or different.

First Sheet—Overall Dimensions and General Shape (re a BeverageContainer)

In various embodiments, the first sheet has an overall length that is atleast about equal to an overall circumference of the generallycylindrical body of the beverage container.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has an overall length that isless than 1.5 times an overall circumference of the generallycylindrical body of the beverage container.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has an overall width that is atmost about equal to a height of the generally cylindrical body of thebeverage container.

In various embodiments, a major portion of the first sheet is at leastsufficient to cover at least about 50% of a surface area of thegenerally cylindrical body of the beverage container. In variousembodiments, the major portion of the first sheet is at least sufficientto cover at least about 70% of a surface area of the generallycylindrical body of the beverage container.

In various embodiments, the first sheet is generally rectangular.

In various embodiments, dimensions of the first sheet are selected oroptimized for use with the beverage container having the generallycylindrical body of a particular overall height and a particular overallcircumference.

First Sheet—Shape of Tab Portion

In various embodiments, the tab portion of the first sheet has thegeneral shape of a rectangular tab. In various embodiments, the tabportion of the first sheet has a height that is less than a height ofthe end portion of the first sheet. In various embodiments, the tabportion of the first sheet has a smaller area than the area of the endportion of the first sheet.

First Sheet—Physical Properties

In various embodiments, the first sheet is structural.

In various embodiments, the first sheet is longitudinally flexible. Invarious embodiments, the first sheet is flexible in any orientation.

In various embodiments, the first sheet is non-corrugated.

In various embodiments, the first sheet can have more than one ply.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has a weight of at least about50 g/m² using TAPPI Method T-410. In various embodiments, the firstsheet has a weight of in the range of about 50-500 g/m² using TAPPIMethod T-410. In various embodiments, the first sheet has a weight of inthe range of about 50-250 g/m² using TAPPI Method T-410.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has a thickness of less thanabout 0.050 inch (about 1.3 mm), and more preferably less than about0.020 inch (0.5 mm), and most preferably less than about 0.010 inch(0.25 mm) using TAPPI Method T-411. In various embodiments, the firstsheet has a thickness in the range of about 0.002-0.050 inch (about 0.05mm to 1.3 mm) using TAPPI Method T-411.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has a tensile strength of atleast about 10 lb/in (1.1 N/m) using TAPPI Method T-494. In variousembodiments, the first sheet has a tensile strength of at least about 30lb/in (3.4 N/m) using TAPPI Method T-494.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has internal tearing resistanceof at least about 500 mN using TAPPI Method T-414. In variousembodiments, the first sheet has internal tearing resistance of at leastabout 1,000 mN using TAPPI Method T-414.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has bursting strength of atleast about 10 pounds per square inch (psi) using TAPPI Method T-403. Invarious embodiments, the first sheet has bursting strength of at leastabout 30 pounds per square inch (psi) using TAPPI Method T-403.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has a folding resistance of atleast 100 double folds in the weakest direction at 1 kg load using TAPPIMethod T-511. In various embodiments, the first sheet has a foldingresistance of at least 1,000 double folds in the weakest direction at 1kg load using TAPPI Method T-511.

First Sheet—Printable on Outer Surface

In various embodiments, the first sheet has an outer surface that isprintable. In various embodiments, the article additionally comprises:indicia printed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the firstsheet.

First Sheet—Printable on Inner Surface

In various embodiments, the first sheet has an inner surface that isprintable. In various embodiments, the article additionally comprises:indicia printed on at least a portion of the outer surface of the firstsheet.

First Sheet—Straight Edges

In various embodiments, the first sheet has longitudinal edges that arestraight edges. In various embodiments, some or all of the edges of thefirst sheet are straight.

In various embodiments, the first sheet can have longitudinal edges thatare deckled. In various embodiments, some or all of the edges of thefirst sheet are deckled.

First Sheet—Materials

In various embodiments, the first sheet comprises paper. In variousembodiments, the paper is a coated paper.

In various embodiments, the first sheet comprises a plastic material. Invarious embodiments, the first sheet consists essentially of a plasticmaterial. In various embodiments, the plastic material is selected fromthe group consisting of: various polymeric materials such as acrylic,polystyrene, polycarbonate, polyester, and polyvinyl (sometimes referredto simply as “vinyl”).

In various embodiments, the plastic material does not comprise aclosed-cell foamed plastic material. In various embodiments, the plasticmaterial does not comprise an open-cell foamed plastic material.

In various embodiments, the first sheet comprises an exotic material,such as a self-illuminating material, a light-reflective material, or atemperature-responsive material, whereby a portion of the sheet materialor indicia thereon can be displayed in the darkness, or reflect light,or change in response to a specific temperature or a change intemperature.

First Sheet—Adhesives

In various embodiments, each of the first adhesive and the secondadhesive is a temporary adhesive. In various embodiments, the temporaryadhesive is a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

In various embodiments, one or both of the first and second adhesivesare temporarily covered with a protective film. The protective film canbe, for example, a sheet material of plastic. For example, in variousembodiments, the protective film can have a weight of at about 10 g/m²to about 50 g/m². A release material can be located between theprotective film and the adhesive to ease the removal of the protectivefilm from the adhesive.

First Sheet—As Sleeve

In various embodiments, the first sheet can be curled with the firstadhesive attaching the end portion and tab portion of the first sheet toform a sleeve that can be used on the beverage container. In variousembodiments, the second adhesive on the second portion of the innersurface of the first sheet can adhere the second portion of the innersurface of the sleeve onto the generally cylindrical body of thebeverage container without allowing the beverage container to slipthrough the sleeve when the beverage container is lifted from asupporting surface. In various embodiments, any condensation on thebeverage container can wet an inner surface of the sleeve, causing theinner surface to have higher affinity for or friction with the surfaceof the beverage container, thereby not allowing the beverage containerto slip through the sleeve when the beverage container is lifted from asupporting surface. The second adhesive can act as a safety featureagainst the beverage container slipping through the sleeve if there isno condensation on the beverage container or if the condensation driesand an inner surface of the sleeve is no longer damp or wet, such thatthe beverage container might otherwise slip through and out the bottomof the sleeve if lifted from a supporting surface.

The first sheet can be made of two (2) separate layers fused togetherby, for example, inductive welding the two sheets into an integratedsingle sheet or joined by a suitable adhesive. One of the layers may bea thermal insulating material, such as neoprene or vinyl. One of thelayers may be an absorbent material. The layers can have differentabsorbencies. For example, the outer layer may be a non-absorbent vinylsheet and the inner layer an absorbent paper sheeting. Likewise, theouter layer may be absorbent, but less absorbent than the inner layer. Apreferred ratio of absorbency of the outer layer to the inner layer isin the range of about 1:2 ml/s to about 1:4 ml/s.

First Sheet—As Sleeve Flattened to Coaster

In various embodiments, the sleeve can be flattened forming two folds inthe first sheet material into a folded and flattened condition as acoaster that can be used under the beverage container. In variousembodiments, the second adhesive on the second portion of the innersurface of the first sheet can be used to adhere to an opposite portionof the inner surface of the first sheet to help prevent the flattenedarticle from bulging or popping open from the folded and flattenedcondition as a coaster.

First Sheet—Folded in Half as Coaster

In various embodiments, the first sheet can be folded about in halfforming one fold in the first sheet material with the inner surfaces ofthe first and tab portions of the first sheet adjacent to each otherinto a folded and flattened condition as a coaster that can be usedunder the beverage container. In various embodiments, the secondadhesive on the second portion of the inner surface of the first sheetcan be used to adhere to an opposite portion of the inner surface of thefirst sheet to help prevent the flattened article from bulging orpopping open from the folded and flattened condition as a coaster.

First Sheet—Non Absorbent or Comprises Absorbent Material

In various embodiments, the first sheet is non-absorbent.

In various embodiments, the first sheet comprises an absorbent material.

In various embodiments, the first sheet is absorbent from at least aninner surface when wrapped around the generally cylindrical body of thebeverage container.

In various embodiments, the first sheet has a water absorbency of atleast 0.1 ml in a maximum of 90 seconds. In various embodiments, thefirst sheet has water absorbency of at least 0.1 ml in a maximum of 60seconds.

First Sheet—Non-Insulating or Comprises Insulating Material

In various embodiments, the first sheet is non-insulating.

In various embodiments, the first sheet is or comprises an insulatingmaterial, whereby when the article is formed as a sleeve for a beveragecontainer, the first sheet can insulate a person's bare hand from thecold or very cold serving temperature of the beverage container.

Second Sheet—Comprising Absorbent Material

In various embodiments, the article additionally comprises: a secondsheet, adhered or bounded to the first sheet, wherein the second sheetis at least sufficiently flexible to be wrapped around the generallycylindrical body of the beverage container, and wherein the second sheetis affixed adjacent the inner surface of the first sheet.

In various embodiments, the first sheet is longitudinally flexible. Invarious embodiments, the first sheet is flexible in any orientation.

In various embodiments, the second sheet is affixed to the inner surfaceof the first sheet with a third adhesive, and wherein any of the firstadhesive, the second adhesive, and the third adhesive can be the same ordifferent.

In various embodiments, the third adhesive is a permanent adhesive.

In various embodiments, the second sheet is absorbent from at least aninner surface when wrapped around the generally cylindrical body of thebeverage container.

In various embodiments, the second sheet is non-corrugated.

In various embodiments, the second sheet can have more than one ply.

Second Sheet—Dimensions and Location

In various embodiments, the area of the second sheet does not extendbeyond the area of the first sheet. In various embodiments, the area ofthe second sheet is smaller than the area of the first sheet. In variousembodiments, all of the area of the second sheet covers at least about50% of the sheet area of the first sheet.

In various embodiments, the area of the second sheet does not overlapthe first adhesive on the first portion, the second adhesive on thesecond portion, or the overlapping area.

Second Sheet—Physical Properties

In various embodiments, the second sheet has a water absorbency of atleast about 0.1 ml in a maximum of 90 seconds. In various embodiments,the second sheet has water absorbency of at least about 0.1 ml in amaximum of 30 seconds.

In various embodiments, the second sheet is non-structural.

In various embodiments, the second sheet is non-corrugated.

In various embodiments, the second sheet has a weight of at least about20 g/m² using TAPPI Method T-410. In various embodiments, the secondsheet has a weight of in the range of about 20-500 g/m² using TAPPIMethod T-410. In various embodiments, the second sheet has a weight ofin the range of about 50-300 g/m².

In various embodiments, wherein the second sheet has a thickness lessthan 0.050 inch (about 1.3 mm), and more preferably less than about0.020 inch (0.5 mm) using TAPPI Method T-411. In various embodiments,the second sheet has a thickness in the range of about 0.002-0.050 inch(about 0.05 mm to 1.3 mm) using TAPPI Method T-411.

Second Sheet—Materials

In various embodiments, the second sheet is of a material selected fromthe group materials used for paper napkins, paper towels, and blottingpaper (also known as bibulous paper).

Second Sheet—Printable on Inner Surface

In various embodiments, the second sheet has an inner surface that isprintable.

In various embodiments, the article additionally comprising: indiciaprinted on at least a portion of an inner surface of the second sheet.

Second Sheet—Without Interfering with First and Second Adhesives

In various embodiments, when the first sheet is wrapped around thebeverage container such that the end portion and tab portion areoverlapping to each other, the end portion and tab portion of the firstsheet can overlap without interference from the second sheet. Forexample, in various embodiments, the second sheet does not interferewith the location and purposes of the first and second adhesives.

Article Disposability

In various embodiments, wherein the article is disposable in a landfill.

In various embodiments, the article is not flushable.

In various embodiments, the first sheet is ignitable.

In various embodiments, the article is biodegradable.

Embodiments of Article in Combination with a Beverage Container

In various embodiments, an article according to the disclosure is incombination with the beverage container.

In various embodiments, the article is wrapped as a sleeve for thebeverage container.

In various embodiments, the article is flattened as a coaster for thebeverage container.

In various embodiments, the beverage container is a bottle having a USstandard size for the cylindrical body portion.

In various embodiments, the beverage container is a can having a USstandard size for the cylindrical body portion.

Embodiments of Article in Combination with a Dispenser

In various embodiments, an article according to the disclosure is incombination with a dispenser.

In various embodiments, the article is one of a plurality of sucharticles in the dispenser.

In various embodiments, the article is disposed in the dispenser in aflat condition without being curled or folded.

In various embodiments, the dispenser is in the general form of a tray.

In various embodiments, the article and dispenser additionally incombination with the beverage container.

Embodiments of Article in Combination with a Beverage Container andDispenser

In various embodiments, an article according to the disclosure incombination with a dispenser and the beverage container.

Embodiments of Methods of Using Article

In various embodiments, methods of using the article according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure are provided, the methodscomprising steps of: (a) wrapping the article around the generallycylindrical body of the beverage container to position an inner surfaceof an end portion adjacent an outer surface of a tab portion to form theoverlapping area between the end portion and the tab portion; (b) usingthe first adhesive to adhere the end portion and the tab portion of theoverlapping area.

In various embodiments, the methods include a serving temperature for ahot or cold beverage in the beverage container. In various embodiments,the methods include wherein the beverage is at a serving temperature inthe range of about 0-4° C. (about 32-39° F.).

In various embodiments, methods of using the article according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure are provided, the methodscomprising steps of: (a) curving the article into a cylindrical shape toposition an inner surface of an end portion adjacent an outer surface ofa tab portion to form the overlapping area between the end portion andthe tab portion; (b) using the first adhesive to adhere the end portionand tab portion of the overlapping area. In various embodiments, themethods additionally comprise a step of: flattening the article in theform of a sleeve by forming two fold lines in the first sheet materialand thereby forming the article into a folded and flattened condition asa coaster that can be used under the beverage container. In variousembodiments, the methods additionally comprise a step of: positioningthe coaster under the beverage container.

In various embodiments, methods of using the article according tovarious embodiments of the disclosure are provided, the methodscomprising steps of: folding the first sheet about in half forming onefold in the first sheet material with the inner surfaces of the endportion and the tab portion of the first sheet adjacent to each otherinto a folded and flattened condition as a coaster that can be usedunder the beverage container. In various embodiments, the methodsadditionally comprise a step of: positioning the coaster under thebeverage container. In various embodiments, the methods additionallycomprise a step of: using the second adhesive on the second portion ofthe inner surface of the first sheet to adhere to an opposite portion ofthe inner surface of the first sheet to help prevent the flattenedarticle from bulging or popping open from the folded and flattenedcondition as a coaster.

Examples of Embodiments

To facilitate a better understanding of the present disclosure, thefollowing specific embodiments and examples are provided. In no wayshould these necessarily limit or define the entire scope of thedisclosure.

Table 1 includes descriptive names and references regarding the specificembodiments illustrated in one or more of the Figures of the drawing. Itshould be understood, however, the structures and methods of theseexamples and Figures are merely illustrative, and that other structuresor variations are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

TABLE 1 Example of Element or Feature Reference References for FIG. 1AArticle 100 Length (of article) A_(L) Height (of article) A_(H) Centerline (of article) A_(CL) First sheet (of article) 102 Outer surface (offirst sheet) 104 Major portion (of first sheet) 106 End portion (offirst sheet, included in the major portion) 108 Tab portion (outside ofmajor portion) 110 (Major Portion Description) First end edge (of majorportion of first sheet) 112 Longitudinal edges (of major portion offirst sheet) 114a, 114b Length (of major portion) M_(L) Height (of majorportion) M_(H) Area (of major portion) M_(A) (End Portion Description)Boundary line (of end portion) E_(BL) Length (of end portion) E_(L)Height (of end portion) E_(H) Area (of end portion) E_(A) (Tab PortionDescription) Tab end edge (of tab portion) 116 Boundary line (of tabportion) T_(BL) Longitudinal edges (of tab portion of first sheet) 118a,118b Vertical edges (of tab portion of first sheet) 120a, 120b Length(of tab portion) T_(L) Height (of tab portion) T_(H) Area (of tabportion) T_(A) Indicia on outer surface of first sheet “AdvertisingIndicia” Additional References for FIG. 2 Inner surface (of first sheet)124 Overlapping Area (of end & tab portions) O_(A) Upper and LowerBoundary Lines (relines 118a and 118b) U_(BL) and L_(BL) First adhesive132 Second adhesive 134 First portion (for first adhesive) 132a Firstportion boundary line F_(BL) Second portions (for second adhesive) 134aand 134b Temporary film (covering the first or second adhesives) 140 End(of temporary film shown being lifted away from adhesives) 142 Secondsheet (of absorbent material) 150 Third adhesive (between 1st sheet &2nd sheet) Not shown Additional References for FIG. 3 Article in form ofa sleeve 100s Gap G Additional References for FIGS. 4 and 5 Beveragebottle 200 Cylindrical body (of a beverage container) 202 Circumference(of cylindrical body) B_(C) (Not shown) Diameter (of cylindrical body)B_(D) Height (of cylindrical body) B_(H) Area (of cylindrical body)B_(A) Neck (of beverage bottle) 222 Opening (at top of neck on bottlefor drinking) 224 Threaded (at top of neck for threaded cap) 226 Cap(not shown) Not shown Additional References for FIG. 6 Beverage can 240Top (of can) 242 Tab (on top of can for opening and drinking) 244Additional References for FIGS. 7 and 8 Article in form of a coasterwith two creases 100a First crease A Second crease B AdditionalReferences for FIG. 9 Article in form of a coaster with single, centercrease 100b Center crease C Additional References for FIGS. 13A and 13B“Simple Dispenser” 300 Bottom wall 302 Back vertical wall 304 First sidevertical wall 306 Second side vertical wall 308 Front vertical wall 310Opening (between front vertical wall portions) 310a Angular comers(optional, between all vertical walls) 312 Additional References forFIGS. 14A and 14B “Custom Dispenser” 350 Opening (between front verticalwall portions) 304a Back blocking vertical wall portion 352 Frontblocking vertical wall portion 354

FIG. 1A is a view of an embodiment of an article 100 according to thedisclosure, showing the article 100 in a flat, unfolded position. Thearticle 100 can be in such a condition before being manipulated andformed for use as a sleeve or coaster for a beverage container, as willbe described in more detail. As shown in FIG. 1A, the article 100 has anoverall length AL and an overall height AH. The article 100 isrelatively thin, but the thickness of the article 100 is not shown theview of FIG. 1A. In addition, a vertical centerline A_(CL) for thearticle 100 is indicated as a reference line at about the middle of theoverall length A_(L) of the article. (It should be understood that thereference line A_(CL) is an imaginary reference line, not necessarilyvisible or indicated on the article 100.)

The article 100 includes at least a first sheet 102. In FIG. 1A, thefirst sheet 102 is illustrated with the outer surface 104 of the firstsheet 102 facing upward. The first sheet 102 has the same overall shapeof the article 100 as illustrated in FIG. 1A, including the same overalllength A_(L) and the same overall height AH as the article 100. Thefirst sheet 102 of the article 100 is of a relatively thin material, butthe thickness of the first sheet 102 is not shown the view of FIG. 1A.In the illustrated embodiment, the first sheet 102 is of a single,continuous sheet material, such as of paper or a plastic material. Asshown in FIG. 1B, the first sheet may also be formed from separatesheets bonded or welded together to form an integrated single sheet.

The first sheet 102 of the article 100 has a major portion 106, whichincludes an end portion 108 (as will be described in more detail) andthe first sheet 102 also has a tab portion 110 (as will be described inmore detail), which is outside of the major portion 106.

The major portion 106 has a first end edge 112 and longitudinal edges114 a and 114 b. The longitudinal edges 114 a and 114 b of the majorportion 106 have a longitudinal dimension M_(L). The major portion 106of the first sheet 102 has an overall height that is the same as theoverall height A_(H) of the article 100, which with particular referenceto the major area 106 may sometimes be referred to as M_(H). Inaddition, the major portion 106 has an area M_(A).

The end portion 108 is a strip of the major portion 106 along the firstend edge 112. The end portion 108 is bounded between the first end edge112 and an end portion boundary line E_(BL), as shown in FIG. 1A. (Itshould be understood that the end portion boundary line E_(BL) is animaginary reference line, not necessarily physically visible orindicated on the article 100.) In the illustrated embodiment of thearticle 100, the end portion 108 has a longitudinal dimension E_(L)between the first end edge 112 and the reference boundary line E_(BL)that is about equal to the length of the tab portion 110 (as describedin more detail below). The end portion 108 of the first sheet 102 has anoverall height that is the same as the overall height A_(H) of thearticle 100, which with particular reference to the end portion 108 maysometimes be referred to as end height E_(H). In addition, the endportion 108 has an end portion area E_(A).

In the embodiment of the article 100 shown in FIG. 1A, the tab portion110 of the first sheet 102 is outside but adjacent to and contiguouswith the major portion 106. In the illustrated embodiment of the article100, the tab portion 110 is smaller than the end portion 108, a tabportion need not necessarily be smaller than the end portion 108. Thetab portion 110 of the article has a tab end edge 116. The tab portion110 is bounded between the tab end edge 116 and a tab boundary lineT_(BL), as shown in in FIG. 1A. (It should be understood that the tabboundary line T_(BL) is an imaginary reference line, not necessarilyphysically visible or indicated on the article 100.) In addition, thetab portion 110 has longitudinal edges 118 a and 118 b and tab verticaledges 120 a and 120 b. Indentions 119 a and 119 b are bounded bylongitudinal edges 118 a and 118 b and tab vertical edges 120 a and 120b. The tab portion 110 and the longitudinal edges 118 a and 118 b of thetab portion 110 have a longitudinal dimension T_(L). The tab portion 110and the tab end edge 116 have a height of T_(H). In the illustratedembodiment of article 100, the tab portion 110 has an overall heightthat is less than the overall height AH of the article 100. In addition,the tab portion 110 has a tab area T_(A).

In the illustrated embodiment of article 100 shown in in FIG. 1A, thesum of the major portion length M_(L) and tab portion length T_(L)equals the article length A_(L). The tab portion height T_(H) is lessthan the article height A_(H), the difference being the sum of the twodimensions of tab vertical edges 120 a and 120 b. Accordingly, the sumof T_(H) and the dimensions of vertical edges 120 a and 120 b is aboutequal to the article height A_(H). The dimensions of vertical edges 120a and 120 b can be equal to each other or different from each other, butin the illustrated embodiment of article 100, the dimensions of verticaledges 120 a and 120 b are about the same. In alternative embodiments,either or both of the tab edges 118 a and 118 b can be co-extensive withlongitudinal edges 114 a and 114 b, respectively, wherein one or both ofthe tab vertical edges 120 a and 120 b may not be present. In such anembodiment, the tab height TH can be equal to the height M_(H) of themajor portion 106.

Indicia can be printed, embossed, or otherwise placed anywhere the outersurface 104 of the first sheet 102. For example, the indicia can beprinted on the outer surface 104 of the major portion 106 of the firstsheet 102. Indicia can also be printed on the outer surface 104 of thetab portion 110 of the first sheet 102, however, in some uses, that theouter surface 104 of the tab portion 110 may be covered up inoverlapping relationship with the end portion 108, as is described inmore detail below. The indicia can be, for example, one or more words,symbols, graphics, photographs, or any combination thereof as may bedesired. In the article 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A, any such indicia isrepresented by the words “ADVERTISING INDICIA”.

Referring to FIG. 1B, an alternative embodiment of article 195 will bedescribed. Article 195 as shown in FIG. 1B can be comprised of anoutside layer 198, bonded or adhered to an inside layer 196 by anadhesive or bonding layer 197. In a preferred embodiment, adhesive 197can be a rubberized adhesive such as rubber cement. In embodiments wherethe outside layer is bonded to the inside layer, it is preferred thatthe outside layer be bonded to the inside layer by inductive weldingalong at least the inside perimeter of the article. In a preferredembodiment, the outside layer can be a flexible vinyl sheeting heatwelded along its perimeter to an absorbent paper inside layer. In otherembodiments, the outside layer may be a plasticized cardboard glued toan absorbent paper.

Referring to FIG. 1C, an alternate embodiment of article 194 isdescribed. Article 194 includes outside layer 193 and inside layer 191,separated by corrugated layer 192. In this embodiment, outside layer 193can be a plasticized heavy paper, plasticized on an inside and/oroutside surface. Inside layer 191 can be an absorbent paper or absorbentfabric. Corrugated layer 192 comprises a lightweight serpentine paperbarrier, alternatively bonded to the inside surfaces of inside layer 191and inside layer 193 at exemplary glue points 190 and 199, respectively.

FIG. 2 is a view of the Article 100 of FIG. 1A, except that the article100 is rotated 180 degrees about the reference of the article centerlineA_(CL), such that an inner surface 124 of the first sheet 102 is shownfacing upward and the end portion 108 and tab portion 110 are inreversed positions relative to the article centerline A_(CL).

As noted above, the first sheet 102 of the article 100 is of arelatively thin material, but the thickness of the first sheet 102 isnot shown the view of FIG. 2. Again, in the illustrated embodiment, thefirst sheet 102 is of a single, contiguous sheet material, such as ofpaper or a plastic material.

As will be described in more detail with reference to other figures, thearticle 100 can be curved or folded such that the end portion area E_(A)can be positioned overlapping the tab portion area T_(A) to define orform an overlapping area O_(A). Continuing to refer to FIG. 2, theoverlapping area O_(A) is illustrated on the first sheet 102 as beingbounded by the vertical end boundary line E_(BL) of the end portion 108and upper and lower boundary lines U_(BL) and L_(BL) defined by theoverlapping longitudinal edges 118 a and 118 b, respectively, of the tabportion 110. (It should be understood that the upper and lower boundarylines U_(BL) and L_(BL) are imaginary reference lines, not necessarilyphysically visible or indicated on the article 100.)

As will be described in more detail with reference to other figures, afirst adhesive 132 can used to attach the end portion 108 to the tabportion 110. In addition, as will be described in more detail withreference to other figures, a second adhesive 134 can used to attach thearticle 100 to a beverage container or to keep the article 100 in afolded position. It should be understood that the first adhesive 132 andthe second adhesive 134 can be the same or different and can bepositioned adjacent to each other or at non-contiguous portions of thefirst sheet 102.

In the illustrated embodiment of the article 100 shown in FIG. 2, thefirst adhesive 132 is shown on the inner surface 124 of the first sheet102 in a first portion 132 a of the overlapping area O_(A). The firstportion 132 a is bounded by first end edge 112, the upper and lowerboundary lines U_(BL) and L_(BL), and a first boundary line F_(BL) (Itshould be understood that the first boundary line F_(BL) is an imaginaryreference line, not necessarily physically visible or indicated on thearticle 100.) The first boundary line F_(BL) can be anywhere between thefirst end edge 112 and the end portion boundary line E_(BL), as may beappropriate or desired to provide sufficient area of the first portion132 a for the purpose and adhesive strength of the first adhesive 132.

In the illustrated embodiment of the article 100 shown in FIG. 2, thesecond adhesive 134 is shown on the inner surface 124 of the first sheet102 in at least one, but preferably both of the second portions 134 aand 134 b of the overlapping area O_(A). The second portion 134 a isbounded by first end edge 112, the upper longitudinal edge 114 a, theupper boundary line U_(BL), and the first boundary line F_(BL). Thesimilar, second portion 134 b is bounded by first end edge 112, thelower longitudinal edge 114 b, the lower boundary line L_(BL), and thefirst boundary line F_(BL). Again, the first boundary line F_(BL) can beanywhere between the first end edge 112 and the end portion boundaryline E_(BL), as may be appropriate or desired to provide sufficientareas for the second portions 134 a and 134 b for the purpose andadhesive strength of the second adhesive 134. It should be understood,however, that in various embodiments the second adhesive 134 can bepositioned in any one or more portions on the inner surface 124 of thefirst sheet 102 outside of the overlapping area O_(A) between the endportion 108 and the tab portion 110.

In the various embodiments, the first adhesive 132 and the secondadhesive 134 are of the same material. It should be understood that manyvariations of the placement of the adhesives are possible that wouldstill achieve the purposes as illustrated with the example of theembodiment of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 2.

In various embodiments, and in the embodiment of the article 100illustrated in FIG. 2, the first and second adhesives 132 and 134,respectively, of portions 132 a, 134 a, and 134 b can be covered with atemporary, protective film 140. In a preferred embodiment, protectivefilm 140 is a transparent cellophane plastic sheeting. Protective film140 can also be a wax paper. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the film 140 isshown in the process of having an portion 142 being lifted and removedfrom covering the first adhesive 132 and second adhesive 134 of portions132 a, 134 a, and 134 b. Otherwise, it should be understood that beforeuse, the film 140 would be flat and completely covering all the portions132 a, 134 a, and 134 b.

In the embodiment of the article 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the firstsheet is not necessarily an absorbent material. In the embodiment of thearticle 100 as illustrated in FIG. 2, a second sheet 150 of an absorbentmaterial is affixed to the inner surface 124 of the first sheet 102. Thesecond sheet 150 can be, for example, an absorbent material such as of apaper towel. A third adhesive (not shown) between the second sheet 150and the first sheet 102 can be used to hold the two sheets together. Itshould be understood that the adhesive is not necessarily required tocover the entire area of the second sheet 150. The third adhesive can bethe same or different as either of the first and second adhesives. Thesecond sheet 150 can cover any desired portion of the inner surface 124of the first sheet 102, provided it does not interfere with theplacement and functions of the first adhesive 132 and the secondadhesive 134. In various embodiments, for example, the second sheet 150can be completely co-extensive with the first sheet and the firstadhesive 132 and second adhesive 134 can be positioned over the secondsheet 150.

As will be shown in more detail with reference to later figures, thefirst sheet 102 is at least sufficiently flexible to be longitudinally(relative to the longest dimension of the first sheet 102) wrappedaround the circumference of the generally cylindrical body of a beveragecontainer. If there is a second sheet 150, it, too, should be at leastsimilarly sufficiently flexible to be longitudinally wrapped around thecircumference of the generally cylindrical body of a beverage container.

FIG. 3 is a view of the article 100 of FIGS. 1-2, except wherein thearticle is positioned into the form of a stand-alone sleeve. The firstadhesive 132 (not visible in the view of FIG. 3) is used to join anoverlapping area O_(A) (not visible in FIG. 3) of the end portion 108and the tab portion 110 of the article 100. A second adhesive 134 on asecond portion 134 a of the inner surface 124 of the first sheet 102 isexposed through indentions 119 a and 119 b outside of the area of thetab portion 110, which can adhere the article 100 to a beveragecontainer (not shown in FIG. 3). The advertising indicia on the outersurface 104 of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG.3.

In FIG. 3, a small gap G is illustrated between the first end edge 112and the tab end edge 116. It should be understood that this gap G can bevery small or non-existent. For example, the first end edge 112 can beoverlapped with the tab edge 120 a. This may be helpful depending on theexact dimensions of the article 100 relative to the particulardimensions of the cylindrical body of a beverage container (not shown inFIG. 3).

As best illustrated in FIG. 3, an advantage of the tab portion 110 beingbounded by tab edge 118 a that is not co-extensive with longitudinaledge 114 a of the end portion 108 is that this feature avoids showing adouble layer of the first sheet 102 at the longitudinal edge 114 a ofthe end portion 108. In various embodiments, this can provide theappearance of a “seamless” overlap between the end portion 108 and thetab portion 110, which can be considered more aesthetically pleasingthan if the tab edge 120 a of tab portion 110 is overlapping withlongitudinal edge 114 a of the end portion 108. In the illustratedembodiment, the same is true regarding the lower longitudinal edge 114 band tab edge 118 b, but tab edge 118 b is not visible in FIG. 3.

Although not shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the second adhesive 134can be located anywhere outside of the overlapping area O_(A) that doesnot interfere with the location of any of second sheet 150, if a secondsheet is present. For example, the second adhesive 134 can be located onthe inner surface 124 of the first sheet 102 along one or both oflongitudinal edges 114 a and 114 b, whereby when the article is in theform of a sleeve 100 s, the second adhesive 134 can be exposed tocontact the surface of a beverage container, as can be understood withviewing of the following FIGS. 4-6.

The advertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of the first sheet 102of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a view showing the article 100 of FIGS. 1A-2, except whereinthe article 100 is shown in the process of being positioned and wrappedaround a beverage container, such as a beverage bottle 200 (hands notshown).

As shown in FIG. 4, in general, a beverage container, such as beveragebottle 200, has a generally cylindrical body 202. The cylindrical body202 of a beverage container has a circumference B_(C) and a heightB_(H). The surface area B_(A) of a cylindrical body is the circumferenceB_(C) multiplied by the height B_(H).

A beverage bottle 200 has a neck 222 and an opening 224 at the top ofthe neck 222 for drinking from the bottle 200. The top of the neck canhave, for example, threads 226 adjacent to the opening 224 for attachinga removable cap (not shown).

The major portion 106 of the first sheet 102 can have dimensions thatare selected or adapted for the particular beverage container such asthe bottle 200 with which the article 100 is to be used. For example,the length M_(L) of the major portion 106 of the first sheet 102 of thearticle 100 is can be selected or adapted to be about equal to thecircumference B_(C) of the beverage container, such as beverage bottle200, for which the article 100 is intended or adapted to be used. Theheight M_(H) of the major portion 106 of the first sheet 102 of thearticle 100 is preferably selected or adapted to be about equal to theheight B_(H) of the cylindrical body 202 of the beverage container, suchas bottle 200, for which the article 100 is intended or adapted to beused. It should be understood, however, that the height M_(H) of themajor portion 106 of the first sheet 102 can be less than the heightB_(H) of the beverage container.

The tab portion 110 of the first sheet 102 can be of any convenient sizeand shape relative to the area of the first sheet 102 or the surfacearea B_(A) of the cylindrical body 202 of the beverage container.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the first adhesive 132 is positioned on theinner surface 124 of the end portion 108 of the first sheet 102 suchthat when the first sheet 102 is fully wrapped around the bottle 200,the first adhesive 132 is used to join an overlapping area O_(A) betweenthe end portion 108 and the tab portion 110 of the article 100, whichoverlapping area O_(A) is indicated on the tab portion 110.

A second adhesive 134 on a second portion 134 a of the inner surface 124of the first sheet 102 is positioned to be exposed outside of theoverlapping area O_(A) with the tab portion 110 so that the secondadhesive 134 can adhere the article 100 to the beverage bottle 200 afterfully wrapping the article 100 around the beverage container.

The second sheet 150 of an absorbent material affixed to the innersurface 124 of the first sheet 102 is visible in FIG. 4.

The advertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of the first sheet 102of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a view showing the article of FIGS. 1-2 fully positionedaround the cylindrical body of the beverage bottle 200 as in the form ofa sleeve 100 s. The advertising indicia of the article 100 as shown inFIG. 1A is not shown in the article 100 s in the form of a sleeve asillustrated in FIG. 5.

FIG. 6 is a view showing the article 100 s of FIGS. 1-2 fully positionedaround the body of the beverage can 240 as in the form of a sleeve.

As shown in FIG. 6, in general, a beverage container, such as beveragecan 240, has a generally cylindrical body 202. The cylindrical body 202of a beverage container has a circumference B_(C) and a height B_(H).The surface area B_(A) of a cylindrical body 202 is the circumferenceB_(C) multiplied by the height B_(H).

A beverage can 240 has a top 242 and a tab 244 formed in the top 242 foropening and drinking from the can 240.

The major portion 106 of the first sheet 102 can have dimensions thatare selected or adapted for the particular beverage container such asthe can 240 with which the article in the form of a sleeve 100 s is tobe used. For example, the length M_(L) of the major portion 106 of thefirst sheet 102 of the article 100 is can be selected or adapted to beabout equal to the circumference B_(C) of the beverage container, suchas beverage bottle 200, for which the article 100 is intended or adaptedto be used. The height M_(H) of the major portion 106 of the first sheet102 of the article 100 is preferably selected or adapted to be aboutequal to the height B_(H) of the cylindrical body 202 of the beveragecontainer, such as bottle 200, for which the article 100 is intended oradapted to be used. It should be understood, however, that the heightM_(H) of the major portion 106 of the first sheet 102 can be less thanthe height B_(H) of the beverage container.

The tab portion 110 of the first sheet 102 can be of any convenient sizeand shape relative to the area of the first sheet 102 or the surfacearea B_(A) of the cylindrical body 202 of the beverage container.

The process of placing the article 100 onto the beverage can 240 issimilar to the process as illustrated in FIG. 3 of wrapping the article100 onto the beverage bottle 200.

The advertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of the first sheet 102of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 7 is a view wherein the article 100 of FIGS. 1A-2 had been firstformed into a sleeve 100 s as illustrated in FIG. 3 and then in theprocess of the sleeve form 100 s being flattened, the flattening bendingthe first sheet 102 of the article forming two creases in the firstsheet 102, that is, a first crease A and a second crease B, whereby thearticle 100 s is in the process of being formed as a coaster 100 a foruse with a beverage container such as a beverage bottle 200 or can 240(neither of which are shown in FIG. 7). Optionally, creases A and B canbe indicated by indicia (not shown), such as lines, on the outer surface104 of the first sheet 102. Optionally, creases A and B can bepre-scored into first sheet 102 to help with folding the article 100into the form of a coaster 100 a.

FIG. 7 illustrates that in the absence of the second adhesive 134 on asecond portion 134 a (partially shown in FIG. 7), the first sheet 102 islikely to bulge or curve outward from the center, the top and bottomportions of the first sheet 102 of the article 100 a not remaining fullyflattened.

Note that the advertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of the firstsheet 102 of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the article in coaster form 100 a as in FIG. 7,but retained in a fully flattened position by the second adhesive 134affixing the second portions 134 a and 134 b to now oppositelypositioned portions of the inner surface 104 of the major area 106 ofthe first sheet 102 through indentions 119 a and 119 b. For use of thearticle 100 a in this manner and coaster form, the second adhesive 134is preferably a slightly tacky, pressure-sensitive adhesive. Again, notethat the advertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of the first sheet102 of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a view showing a beverage bottle 200 positioned standing onthe article 100 of FIGS. 1A-2 in in the form of a coaster 100 a as inFIG. 8. Again, note that the advertising indicia on the outer surface104 of the first sheet 102 of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is notshown in FIG. 9.

A test was made with the system of the article in the form of a sleeve100 s and another article in the form of a coaster 100 a with a beveragebottle 200 as illustrated in FIG. 9 relative to a control of a similarbeverage bottle without the articles 100 s and 100 a. In each case, afull bottle 200 of beer was taken from cold storage at a very coldserving temperature and promptly set up on the surface of a table asillustrated in FIG. 9 or placed on the surface without the articles 100s and 100 a. The temperature of the beer in each beverage bottle wasmeasured with a thermometer. Ten minutes is about the average time aperson takes for drinking a beer. After allowing the full bottles tostand undisturbed for 10 minutes, the temperature of the beer in eachbeverage bottle was again measured with the thermometer. For thebeverage bottle 200 with the articles 100 s and 100 a as shown in FIG.9, the temperature of the beer in the bottle remained nearly 5° F. (2.5°C.) colder than the beer in the control with the beverage bottle 200without the articles 100 s and 100 a. It should be understood that a fewdegrees difference in imbibing temperature can make a big difference tothe enjoyment of a beverage.

FIG. 10 is a view showing the article 100 of FIGS. 1-2 folded in aboutin half that is, about along the article centerline A_(CL), which formsonly one center fold crease C, whereby the article is formed as acoaster 100 b. In this manner of folding, however, the second adhesive134 on portions 134 a and 134 b do not contact the inner surface of thedistal end portion 108, and, therefore, do not help keep the first sheet102 of the article 100 b from curving or bulging outward from each other(similar to the article as illustrated in FIG. 7). On the other hand,however, the exposed second adhesive 134 on portions 134 a and 134 b canbe placed downward onto a horizontal surface, such as the surface of atable or counter (not shown in the figure), to adhere the article inthis form as a coaster. Optionally, crease C can be indicated by indicia(not shown), such as a line along the centerline A_(CL) of the article100 on the first sheet 102 (shown in FIG. 1A). Optionally, crease C canbe pre-scored into first sheet 102 to help with folding the article 100into the form of a coaster 100 b. For use of the article 100 b in thismanner and coaster form, the second adhesive 134 is preferably aslightly tacky, pressure-sensitive adhesive. Again, note that theadvertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of the first sheet 102 ofthe article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a view showing the article 100 b as in FIG. 10, for use as acoaster, but the other, less-attractive side, which would be normallyplaced downward on a table or other surface. In this position, theexposed second adhesive 134 on portions 134 a and 134 b (none of whichare visible in FIG. 11) are placed downward onto a horizontal surface,such as a surface of a table or counter (not shown), to adhere thearticle 100 b is in this form for use as a coaster. Again, note that theadvertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of the first sheet 102 ofthe article 100 as shown in FIG. 1 is not shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a view of a beverage can 240 positioned on top of the article100 b folded in about half and in the form of a coaster as in FIG. 11.Again, note that the advertising indicia on the outer surface 104 of thefirst sheet 102 of the article 100 as shown in FIG. 1A is not shown inFIG. 12.

FIGS. 13A-B illustrate a “simple” dispenser 300 adapted for stacking,storing, and conveniently dispensing a stacked plurality of the articles100 in the flat, unused position of FIGS. 1-2. The dispenser 300includes a bottom wall 302, a back vertical wall 304, a first sidevertical wall 306, a second side vertical wall 308, and a front verticalwall 310. An opening 310 a is formed in the front vertical wall 310. Inthis embodiment, the dispenser 300 has an open top. In addition, thedispenser 300 optionally has angled exterior corners 312 between theadjacent vertical walls. The walls of the dispenser 300 can optionallybe transparent, translucent, or opaque of any color or colors. Inaddition, the walls of the dispenser 300 can optionally have any kind ofindicia (not shown) printed, embossed, or otherwise placed thereon. InFIG. 13A, the dispenser 300 is shown empty. In FIG. 13B, the dispenser300 is shown containing a stack of a plurality of articles 100 of FIGS.1-2.

FIGS. 14A-B illustrate a “custom” dispenser 350 adapted for stacking,storing, and conveniently dispensing the articles of FIGS. 1-3, similarto the “simple” dispenser 300 of FIGS. 13A-B, except having blockingvertical wall portions 352 and 354 specially shaped and located toconform with the tab portion 110 of the articles 100 when in a flat,unused position as in FIGS. 1-2, and, thereby, more neatly retaining astacked plurality of the articles 100.

In addition, the dispenser 300 or dispenser 350 can optionally haveanother opening 304 a as shown only in FIGS. 14A-B in the back verticalwall portion 304, which would allow access for dispensing the articles100 from either the front or the back of the dispenser. In FIG. 14A, thedispenser 350 is shown empty. In FIG. 14B, the dispenser 350 is showncontaining a stack of a plurality of articles of FIGS. 1-2.

Referring then to FIG. 15 dispenser system 400 is described.

Dispenser system 400 includes transparent dispenser 410 with openings411 and 412. In a preferred embodiment, the dispenser is formed ofPlexiglas. The dispenser includes a stack of articles 413 such as thoseshown in FIGS. 1-3. Articles 413 each comprise a printed indicia 416 onan upward facing surface 417. Stack of articles 413 further comprises asecond printed indicia 420. In a preferred embodiment, an edge of eachof the articles includes a portion of a larger printed indicia which,when assembled in stack 413, comprises second printed indicia 420.Printed indicia 420 can be seen through the transparent material ofdispenser 410. Other printed indicia 422 can also be seen through thetransparent material of dispenser 410. In a preferred embodiment, eachside of stack 413 may include printed indicia (not shown) which can beseen through the transparent material of dispenser 410.

Therefore, the present disclosure is well adapted to attain the ends andadvantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as thepresent disclosure may be modified and practiced in different butequivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having thebenefit of the teachings herein. It is, therefore, evident that theparticular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered ormodified and all such variations are considered within the scope of thepresent disclosure.

The various elements or steps according to the disclosed elements orsteps can be combined advantageously or practiced together in variouscombinations or sub-combinations of elements or sequences of steps toincrease the efficiency and benefits that can be obtained from thedisclosure.

It will be appreciated that one or more of the above embodiments may becombined with one or more of the other embodiments, unless explicitlystated otherwise.

The illustrative disclosure can be practiced in the absence of anyelement or step that is not specifically disclosed or claimed.

Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction,composition, design, or steps herein shown, other than as described inthe claims.

1. A convertible beverage container appliance comprising: a flexiblesheet, having a first layer bonded to a second layer, and defining afirst longitudinal crease line and a second longitudinal crease line;the flexible sheet further having a latitudinal tab; the flexible sheetfurther having an adhesive strip on the second layer; the first layerhaving a first absorption; the second layer having a second absorption;wherein the first absorption is less than the second absorption; theappliance having a cylindrical form, adapted to surround the beveragecontainer, wherein the latitudinal tab engages the adhesive strip; and,the appliance having a coaster form, adapted to be generally flat,wherein the appliance is folded along the first longitudinal crease lineand the second longitudinal crease line and the adhesive strip contactsboth the first side and the second side.
 2. The convertible beveragecontainer appliance of claim 1 wherein the latitudinal tab defines afirst latitudinal indention and a second latitudinal indention; and,wherein, in the coaster form, the adhesive strip contacts the secondlayer adjacent the first latitudinal indention and the secondlatitudinal indention.
 3. The convertible beverage container applianceof claim 1 wherein the adhesive strip is covered by a removableprotective layer; and, The appliance having a stowed form, adapted to begenerally flat, and wherein the adhesive strip does not contact thefirst layer.
 4. The convertible beverage container appliance of claim 3wherein the appliance is stored in an open ended container in the stowedform.
 5. The convertible beverage container appliance of claim 4 furthercomprising a first printed indicia on the first layer; and, wherein thefirst printed indicia is visible in the cylindrical form, the coasterform and the stowed form.
 6. The convertible beverage containerappliance of claim 5 further comprising: an edge; a second printedindicia on the edge; and, wherein the second printed indicia is visiblethrough the container when in the stowed form.
 7. The convertiblebeverage container appliance of claim 1 wherein the first layer isfurther comprised of a vinyl sheet and the second layer is comprised ofa paper sheet bonded to the vinyl sheet.
 8. The convertible beveragecontainer appliance of claim 1 wherein the first layer is comprised of aplasticized paper sheet; and, wherein the second layer is comprised ofan absorbent paper sheet and wherein the first layer is connected to thesecond layer by a corrugated layer.
 9. The convertible beveragecontainer appliance of claim 1 wherein the first layer is a thermalinsulator.
 10. A method for forming an insulator sleeve for a generallycylindrical body from a flat body wherein the flat body has an innersurface and an outer surface, a set of advertising indicia on the outersurface and an absorbent layer attached to the inner surface, a tabportion adjacent a major portion, an end portion adjacent the majorportion, and a first adhesive section on the end portion, comprising:positioning the absorbent layer adjacent the cylindrical body; wrappingthe tab portion around the cylindrical body; exposing the first adhesivesection by removing a protective film; wrapping the end portion aroundthe cylindrical body adjacent the tab portion; and, adhering the innersurface of the end portion to the outer surface of the tab portion withthe first adhesive section.
 11. The method of claim 10 wherein the majorportion has a set of linearly aligned vertical edges adjacent the tabportion and the end portion has a second adhesive section adjacent theset of vertical edges, further comprising: aligning the end portion withthe set of vertical edges; and, adhering the inner surface of the endportion to the cylindrical body with the second adhesive section. 12.The method of claim 10 further for converting the insulator sleeve intoa flat coaster, comprising: creating a first crease in the flat bodylinearly aligned with the set of vertical edges; creating a secondcrease in the major portion parallel to the first crease; and,compressing the flat body along the first crease and the second crease.13. The method of claim 10 further comprising: adhering the innersurface of the major portion to the inner surface of the end portionwith the second adhesive section.
 14. A method comprising: providing aninsulator for use with a beverage container, wherein the beveragecontainer has a generally cylindrical body, the insulator comprising: asheet of material, wherein the sheet of material has an outer surfaceand an inner surface, wherein the sheet of material is at leastsufficiently flexible to be longitudinally wrapped around a generallycylindrical body of the beverage container to position an inner surfaceof an end of the sheet of material adjacent an outer surface of a tabportion of the sheet of material to form an overlapping area between theend portion and the tab portion; a first adhesive on a first portion ofan inner surface of the sheet of material, wherein the first portion isat least partially within the overlapping area; a second adhesive on asecond portion of the inner surface of the sheet of material, whereinthe second portion is at least partially outside the overlapping area;curving the insulator into a cylindrical shape to position an innersurface of the end portion adjacent an outer surface of the tab portionto form the overlapping area between the end portion and the tabportion; and, using the first adhesive to adhere the end portion to thetab portion in the overlapping area.
 15. The method of claim 14 furthercomprising wrapping the insulator around the generally cylindrical body.16. The method of claim 14 further comprising flattening the insulatorin the form of a sleeve by forming two fold lines in the sheet ofmaterial and thereby forming the insulator into a folded and flattenedcondition as a coaster that can be used under the beverage container.17. The method of claim 14 wherein providing the insulator comprisesproviding the sheet of material, the sheet of material comprising anoutside layer and an inside layer coupled to the outside layer.
 18. Themethod of claim 17 further comprising inductively welding the insidelayer to the outside layer.
 19. The method of claim 14 wherein providingthe insulator comprises providing the sheet of material, the sheet ofmaterial comprising an outside layer, a corrugated layer coupled to theouter layer and an inside layer coupled to the corrugated layer.
 20. Themethod of claim 19 further comprising: affixing the outside layer to thecorrugated layer by an adhesive; and affixing the inside layer to thecorrugated layer by the adhesive.